Specimen Requirements

Patient Preparation:Patient does not need to be fasting.

Performance of Test:

1. Obtain 50 g of glucose solution.

2. Have patient consume glucose solution within 5 minutes.

3. After 1 hour (time from first sip), draw specimen.

Note:  If patient cannot completely consume the glucose solution (or cannot keep it down) or drinks part of the glucose solution and spills the rest, the test must be cancelled and rescheduled.

Specimen Collection:

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
 
Plasma
Draw blood in a green-top (lithium heparin) plasma gel tube(s). Spin down and send 1 mL of lithium heparin plasma refrigerated.
Note:  1. Indicate plasma on request form.
2. Label specimen appropriately (plasma).
 
Serum
Draw blood in a serum gel tube(s). Spin down and send 1 mL of serum refrigerated.
Note:  1. Indicate serum on request form.
2. Label specimen appropriately (serum).

Unspun specimens must be transported at ambient temperature and arrive to the laboratory within one hour of draw.